Credit card debt in the U.S. has surged — now around $1.2 trillion — while average APRs hover near 20%. In this interview with Bankrate’s Ted Rossman we break down what's driving higher balances and rates, who benefits from rewards, why minimum payments barely dent balances, and practical steps to escape the cycle: pay in full when possible, prioritize debt payoff, consider 0% balance transfers or personal-loan consolidation, contact nonprofit credit counselors, and trim short-term expenses or boost income to accelerate repayment. Clear, actionable advice for anyone worried about mounting credit card bills.